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Script: A needle in a haystack

Script: A needle in a haystack

A needle is a small, steel tool almost as thin as a piece of cotton or string, and a haystack is a massive pile of dried grass in the middle of a field.

The chance of finding a needle lost in a haystack is very, very small. Almost none at all. And this is what the idiom ‘It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack’ means. It means you are looking for something you have little chance of finding.

Zak: You know you’re a terrible snob about coffee. Every time I meet you in a coffee shop for a chat, you complain about the coffee. It’s never good enough for you. We must have tried every blend of coffee in every coffee shop in town, and we can’t find one that you think is good. You are very difficult to please!

Jenny: Whoa! That’s a bit strong! I just like good coffee, that’s all, and some of the stuff they serve around here is just like dish-water. It's almost undrinkable and it's expensive. I object to buying a drink called coffee that doesn't taste anything like it should.

Zak: Do you want tea today, then? They do a very good peppermint tea here. My mother loves it.

Jenny: No, thank you. I don't want a horrible peppermint tea, thank you very much. I am just saying that finding a good cup of coffee around here is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Zak: You've made your point. Now what can I get you to drink?

Jenny: Did I tell you I have bought a new, very expensive coffee machine? It's Italian and it cost a fortune. But the coffee it makes is sublime. But I am limiting myself to one cup a day.

Zak: A very expensive cup, by the sound of it. What a waste of money! Now, can we change the subject and get something to drink? What do you want? My treat. I'm having a lovely frothy hot chocolate – will you join me?

Conversation two

Peggy: Mum, I'm absolutely exhausted. Can you make me a cup of tea, please?

Mum: Why are you so late getting home? I thought you had an appointment after school then were coming straight home.

Peggy: Yes. I went to the opticians and I do need glasses. We spoke about contact lenses, but my eyes are too sensitive. I spent a long time trying on frames, but there was nothing at that optician's that I looked good in, so I just got the prescription and went to look at frames somewhere else.

Mum: So, what sort of frames did you choose?

Peggy: I didn't. Finding a pair of modern frames that suits my face was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Round ones made me look like an owl and square ones made me look like an old- fashioned frump.

Mum: You're too fussy. I know you. Do you want me to come with you and look at the weekend?

Peggy: No thank you. No offence, Mum, but our tastes are so different! I might take Donna with me. She's got good taste. Her glasses make her look really smart and trendy. I'll give her a call later and see if she can come with me after netball.